MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russia’s Battlegroup North forces are fighting for the liberation of three communities in the Kharkov Region and tightening the ring of encirclement of Ukrainian troops in that area, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units are tightening the ring of encirclement in the Kharkov Region and expanding the outer area of control. In the pocket of encirclement, they are fighting for the liberation of the communities of Nikolayevka, Varvarovka and Nefyodovka in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said in a statement.

During the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian army lost roughly 60 troops, a motor vehicle and five ground robotic platforms in the pocket of encirclement, it specified.

Battlegroup North forces are expanding the outer area of control and continue battles for taking control of the settlements of Prikolotnoye, Kotovka and Gogino in the Kharkov Region, the ministry said.